Patrol Officer

Position Summary:

The Patrol Officer performs duties related to law enforcement such as preventing crimes, investigating suspicious activity, apprehending violators, assisting persons in trouble, directing vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and enforcing traffic laws. This role is critical in maintaining safety, order, and community well-being.

Essential Functions:

• Patrols assigned area on foot or in a vehicle searching for suspicious activity or situations or checking for persons in need of service.
• Monitors radio and other communication devices to receive assigned calls, and to maintain awareness of activities in assigned areas or by other officers.
• Assists citizens with problems such as lost children, injured persons, animal bites, locked doors, etc.
• Refers persons to appropriate social service agencies when the situation warrants.
• Responds to assigned calls at specified locations, assesses the situation, determines the need for assistance, and takes appropriate action.
• Removes people from danger which may include carrying unconscious persons away from the scene and providing emergency aid to injured people.
• Investigates accidents, gathers evidence, records observations and statements of witnesses and victims, requests assistance from other officers or agencies as needed, directs the removal of the vehicles involved, and ensures the area is clear.
• Searches crime scenes, takes prescribed actions to preserve and protect evidence, and records findings and observations.
• Interviews victims, witnesses, and suspects of potential crimes, and records responses and observations.
• Pursues, apprehends, searches, and arrests suspects using only necessary force; advises suspects of rights; and transports suspects to detention area.
• Restrains people from physically striking or injuring others using appropriate force.
• Drives vehicle at high speeds, when situation warrants, due to nature of the emergency pursuant to department policy.
• Stops drivers of vehicles when traffic violations are observed, verifies license and registration data, advises driver of safe driving practices, and issues citation or makes arrest, as warranted.
• Directs vehicular and pedestrian traffic when congestion occurs or as directed.
• Reports as directed to scenes of general emergencies and takes appropriate action to protect life and property (e.g., directing traffic, quarantining area, assisting individuals in leaving area, preventing looting, and requesting appropriate assistance).
• Maintains visibility in the community by meeting and talking with citizens; providing information; visiting
  local businesses; making presentations to schools, neighborhoods, and civic organizations; and, projecting
  positive, professional image as an ambassador for the City of West Lafayette.

Requirements:

• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must not have any felony convictions.
  Must not have abused any drugs/narcotics within two (2) years of application date.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to be covered by city insurance.
• Must pass credit and criminal record check.